WORLD CHILDREN’S DAY CALLS TO PROTECT AND EMPOWER EVERY CHILD

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Posted by admin on November 21, 2025 at 3:11 AM

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Zambia joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Children’s Day, with national celebrations held under the theme “My Day, My Rights. From Promises to Action.”

The event brought together government officials, children, civil society organisations, and development partners to honour the rights, voices, and dreams of the country’s youngest citizens.

Officiating at the national commemoration, Minister of Community Development and Social Services Doreen Mwamba, in a speech read on her behalf by Acting Minister Brenda Tambatamba, pledged government’s commitment to uphold children’s rights and continue to protect, nurture, and empower every child.

“This is a day dedicated to honouring the rights, voices, and dreams of every child. It reminds us to recommit ourselves to building a Zambia where no child is left behind,” she said.

The Minister acknowledged that the day serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to ensure every child grows up safe, healthy, educated, protected, and empowered.

She noted that the theme comes at a critical time, as children globally face increasing violations of their rights, including early and forced marriages, violence, teenage pregnancies, substance abuse, and defilement.

The Minister outlined several measures already undertaken to advance children’s rights Children’s Code Act No. 12 of 2022, Introduction of free education, Establishment of national child safety and participation frameworks, Creation of the Parliamentary Caucus on Children and the Children’s Parliament, Strengthening of the Zambia Police Victim Support Unit and Child Protection Unit, Increased Constituency Development Fund allocations for bursaries and Implementation of the Keeping Girls in School programme to reduce teenage pregnancies and early marriages

She also appealed to young people to avoid harmful behaviours such as substance abuse, child marriages, teenage pregnancies, and misuse of social media.

UNICEF Country Representative Dr. Saja Abdullah reiterated the organisation’s commitment to working alongside government, partners, communities, and children themselves to ensure no child is left behind.

“When a child escapes poverty, the whole nation rises. When a girl is educated, her community thrives. When a child is protected, the cycle of violence ends,” she said, urging leaders to move decisively from promises to action.

Dr. Abdullah stressed that children’s rights are guarantees, not gifts, and encouraged young people to speak out and share their experiences.

Giving the vote of thanks, 15-year-old Einess Bwalya of Chinsali District commended government and cooperating partners for prioritising the welfare of children.

World Children’s Day, commemorated annually on 20 November, marks the anniversary of the signing of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, a landmark commitment to safeguarding children worldwide.